FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: (Date: August, 18, 2016)
Huronia Museum declines donation of SS Keewatin.
Huronia Museum will not be able to accept the donation of the SS Keewatin from Skyline Investments. Huronia Museum reviewed this generous offer as to whether this donation fits the mandate under which the museum collects and whether or not this donation was a sustainable artifact that Huronia Museum, as a Category A museum, could hold for future generations.
It is without question that the SS Keewatin, her contents and her story fit well within the mandate under which Huronia Museum actively collects, conserves, educates and exhibits Huronia’s heritage.
At this time, however, the Huronia Museum is not able to responsibly accept this donation into its permanent collection with the information that is available on the future conservation and operational needs of this unique artifact. It should be understood that Huronia Museum’s Collections Policy only allows artifacts to be accepted into the museum’s permanent collection when the longevity of the artifact is ensured and the museum is certain that it can sustain the artifact in perpetuity for the community.
The museum is hopeful that a solution can be found to preserve her, her story and her presence in Port McNicoll for future generations of Canadians whether that be found in the process of donation to a museum or by other means. Huronia Museum looks forward to working closely with the SS Keewatin volunteers and management in future and will support all of her endeavours to promote and conserve marine heritage in North Simcoe.
For further information on Huronia Museum please contact the museum at 705-526-2844
Huronia Museum is a not-for-profit charity, which collects, preserves, exhibits and educates on the history of Huronia.
Contact information:
Huronia Museum
549 Little Lake Park Road,
Midland, ON
L4R 4P4
Huronia Museum 
I was relieved to hear that – though it must have been a difficult decision, it was the right one. Well done!